Georgia General Contractor license reciprocity
Georgia offers reciprocity for the General Contractor license. Commercial GC: LA, MS; Residential Basic: LA, MS, SC (3 yrs active, exam-obtained; GA Business & Law exam still required)
What reciprocity actually gets you
Reciprocity is not a licence transfer. Where Georgia grants it, the effect is usually that GA SOS — State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors waives part of the examination for someone already licensed and in good standing elsewhere. You still submit a Georgia application, and the state's other conditions still apply.
What still applies in Georgia
| Issuing board | GA SOS — State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors |
|---|---|
| Experience | Residential Basic: 2 yrs proven experience + 2 projects in prior 2 yrs; GC/Limited Tier: 4 yrs aggregate (degree/experience combinations) |
| Exam | GC & GC Limited Tier: NASCLA Commercial General Building exam + GA Business & Law exam; Residential Basic: state exam + Business & Law (PSI) |
| Bond | Not required |
| Reciprocity | Commercial GC: LA, MS; Residential Basic: LA, MS, SC (3 yrs active, exam-obtained; GA Business & Law exam still required) |
Official source: GA SOS — State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors →
Frequently asked questions
- Does Georgia have general contractor license reciprocity with other states?
- Commercial GC: LA, MS; Residential Basic: LA, MS, SC (3 yrs active, exam-obtained; GA Business & Law exam still required)
- Can you transfer a general contractor license to Georgia?
- Not as a straight transfer. Reciprocity in Georgia generally waives part of the exam for qualifying out-of-state licensees — you still file a Georgia application with GA SOS — State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors and meet its other requirements.
- What experience does Georgia require either way?
- Residential Basic: 2 yrs proven experience + 2 projects in prior 2 yrs; GC/Limited Tier: 4 yrs aggregate (degree/experience combinations)
- Which exam would you still have to sit?
- GC & GC Limited Tier: NASCLA Commercial General Building exam + GA Business & Law exam; Residential Basic: state exam + Business & Law (PSI)
Related
Full Georgia General Contractor license requirements →
What a Georgia General Contractor license costs →
Reciprocity agreements change and are applied case by case — confirm your specific situation with GA SOS — State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors before relying on it. Information to help you launch, not legal advice.